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Strange Bouquet

Wyatt has been receiving a gift of flowers for years now. It was really starting to get scary for him. As he didn't know whom was gifting him it.

By Raphael FontenellePublished 3 years ago 7 min read
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Strange Bouquet
Photo by Forest Diver on Unsplash

The bouquet of yellow flowers on his bed were what Wyatt was expecting. Marigolds, if memory served him right. Beautiful flowers that he constantly got in October and always on his pillow. For what? He had no real idea. It all started when he was around eighteen years old. With absolutely no card or anything on them. Just the flowers laid neatly on top of his pillow.

Patiently waiting for him to come get them. Gifted by some stranger that he constantly felt afraid of. As Wyatt didn't understand what they wanted from him. Were they friends? Were they someone that wanted to get to know him? A relative that loved him but wanted to give him these as a surprise? Just what was the purpose about that?

It felt silly to be so scared. But, he couldn't help himself. He had no idea why the person did this for him. Or what to do in response. Since, like every year, he tended to throw the flowers out. Only to come back for more flowers to be set the next day. Like the person was insistent that Wyatt have these in his life. That Wyatt needed to continue to have them. At least, for the entirety of the month of October. In fact it seemed weird that it only happened in October. Wyatt wasn't sure what to make of this. So, he searched on Google the significance of marigolds in October. Finding out they were the flower for that month. Birth month flower or whatever they were called.

Which was strange but fitting. Still very strange.

Wyatt stared at the new flowers on his pillow. Picking them up, he sighed as he stared down at them. There were at least a dozen of them wrapped in orange paper. A large black velvet ribbon tying them together. It felt like this person was slightly themed with the whole month. As did the fact someone weird was giving him a gift at all. Putting those thoughts aside, Wyatt took the flowers and went downstairs to the kitchen. Getting a vase to put them in as he couldn't think of anything else to do with them. Since whomever gave them to him would just be giving him more. Something that Wyatt wished they wouldn't do for him. Especially, when they hadn't left him a card.

Or even tried to contact him every year they did this for him.

Putting those thoughts aside, Wyatt headed over to the cupboards. One that was nearest the fridge. Opening it up, he got the loveliest vase out and set it on the counter-top. Closed the cupboard before heading over to the sink. Filling it up and then unwrapped the marigolds. Settling them in as he hummed to himself. As soon as he was done, Wyatt felt this strange sensation of eyes on his back. Like someone was watching him nearby.

Very nearby.

Slowly looking behind himself, he spotted the creature. A scrawny, pale as paper, and extremely tall man. Dressed in brown pants that had black suspenders. Along with a light blue button up shirt that had the sleeves rolled up. The man's hair was as pale as he was and long. Covering all but one portion of his face. Which was his very light grey eye that was focused on Wyatt. Who quickly set down the vase full of marigolds and bolted towards the front door. Not thinking of where he was going as he heard the man stomp after him. Hearing the sound of bare feet slapping against his hard wood. Which, aside from his thundering heartbeat, was the only sound in the house.

Running towards the front door felt like it was going in slow motion. Everything felt too slow and like it was dragging.

But, before he could even make it within six feet of the door...the thing's arms wrapped itself around Wyatt. Pulling him hard to its chest and pressing a spindly hand over his mouth. Blocking out the screams that were coming as Wyatt struggled against its grip. The thing was too strong for him to pull away from it. Or even anywhere near the possibility of him getting away. Whatever the thing was kept its tight grip on him. It wasn't hurting Wyatt but, he still didn't want to be held by it. All he wanted was to get out and away. Anywhere that wasn't near the little creature. For a little while he continued to squirm in the creature's grip for a few minutes. Then slowly started to calm down and still in its grasp. Soon as Wyatt had, took a few deep breaths, it nuzzled his hair. Gently sitting them down on the ground. Putting its legs around Wyatt's form carefully.

They were just as long and spindly as its arms were.

It pulled Wyatt closer to itself as it quietly hummed. Its voice was strangely gentle but deep. What Wyatt found odd about this was how soothing it was. How the soft humming helped him to slowly calm down. And that the humming was a song that he had been singing as well. A few minutes later, it pressed its lips to his ear. They felt like they were pretty thin and the voice that came with it was shocking. The creature stated,"I didn't mean to frighten you. I just thought it was wise that we finally meet."

"I suppose I've forgotten how scary that I look...and that strangers in your home is also terrifying.",it continued. Which was absolutely true. Especially, when they were a random inhuman creature that was super tall. Super fast. And strong as the creature was. It added,"I wholeheartedly appologize for not thinking of your feelings. And not waiting for a more appropriate time."

Wyatt, obviously, said nothing and tried to do nothing. Unaware of what the creature would do if he did. It waited a moment before realizing that it was covering his mouth. Giving a soft sigh before asking,"You won't scream if I take my hand off your mouth right?"

"We can't have a conversation if I'm keeping you from screaming. Nor can I stay if you scream.",it added. Which Wyatt agreed to as he nodded his head. Figuring that he wouldn't get an actual answer from it if he screamed. So, he did his best to keep calm as it removed its hand from his mouth. Then took a deep breath to steady himself. In a soft voice, Wyatt questioned,"Why are you doing this?"

"I wanted to meet you and get to know you better. After being away from you for a year.",it answered. That made him slightly more scared. This thing visited him once a year. Made its visit to just know him. Shoving these thoughts aside, Wyatt asked,"What made you interested in me? Why marigolds?"

"Who even are you?",he added. Unsure of what else he should ask. It slightly loosened its grip on him. Not enough to allow Wyatt to turn around and look at it. And it answered,"I saw you when you were visiting your Mother's grave. I saw how you took care of the graves of others so nicely and...it really impressed me. I just wanted to give you a gift for your kindness. I kind of liked you after that."

"My name is Blaine.",it-he answered. Blaine loosened his grip even more. Allowing for Wyatt to turn to look up at him. Finally allowing him to see Blaine's face. Which looked a lot more friendly than he anticipated. Just as skinny as the rest of him and prominent. He definitely had thin lips. But, they looked like they were very soft. Not that Wyatt wanted to kiss them but, he felt they would be kissable. Shoving this thought to the side, Wyatt said,"I'd say that it would be nice to meet you but, uhh..."

"Yes, I understand. This isn't exactly how I wanted us to meet.",Blaine stated. His voice sounding shy and embarrassed as he looked away. Then helped Wyatt get back to his feet and they headed to the kitchen together. Blaine continued,"I also understand if you want me to leave. And to not want to talk about any of this."

"...come back later tonight.",Wyatt found himself saying. Surprising not only Blaine but, himself. Recovering from this quickly, Wyatt added,"I need time to process this and I think I'll be ready around nine. If that's okay?"

"Yes, that's fine. That's perfectly fine, Wyatt.",Blaine agreed. A gentle smile coming to his face at this. Not a gloating or odd one. But a genuine relieved one. The lanky man was clearly grateful for his second chance. And as he left the house, Wyatt hoped he wouldn't regret giving him it.

Fantasy
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About the Creator

Raphael Fontenelle

Horror movie fan trying to write decent horror.

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